It is presented a method, performed in a broadcast control device (1), for controlling broadcast transmissions in a cellular communication system (8) to wireless devices (2). The method comprises the steps of: obtaining (30) a transmission policy associated with a content provider (6), the transmission policy comprising a restriction to only broadcast a content feed to a geographically limited area; and blocking (32) any content feeds from the content provider (6) violating the transmission policy associated with the content provider (6). A corresponding broadcast control device (1), system, computer program and computer program product are also presented.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method, performed in a broadcast control device, for controlling broadcast transmissions in a cellular communication system to wireless devices, the method comprising: obtaining a transmission policy associated with a content provider, the transmission policy comprising a restriction to only broadcast a content feed to a geographically limited area, wherein the transmission policy further comprises a bandwidth restriction and a time restriction, wherein the bandwidth restriction comprises a restriction to only broadcast the content feed on a particular frequency band; and blocking any content feeds from the content provider violating the transmission policy associated with the content provider.
A method for controlling broadcast transmissions in a cellular network to wireless devices, performed by a broadcast control device, involves first obtaining a transmission policy from a content provider. This policy restricts the broadcast to a specific geographic area, limits the broadcast to a particular frequency band (bandwidth restriction), and restricts the broadcast to certain times (time restriction). The method then blocks any content feeds from that provider that violate any part of this transmission policy, ensuring that broadcasts adhere to the provider's specified constraints regarding location, frequency, and time.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission policy further comprises a radio access system type restriction.
The method of controlling broadcast transmissions described above also includes a radio access system type restriction in the transmission policy. This means that the content provider can specify that their content feed should only be broadcast using a particular type of cellular radio technology (e.g., 4G LTE, 5G NR). The broadcast control device will then only allow the content to be broadcast over the specified radio access technology, further refining the broadcast control.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the cellular communication system complies with the specifications for Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services release 6 or later, as defined by 3rd Generation Partnership Project.
The method of controlling broadcast transmissions described above is designed for cellular communication systems that comply with the 3GPP's Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (MBMS) specifications, release 6 or later. This means the method leverages the MBMS standard for efficiently delivering the content feed to multiple users simultaneously, ensuring compatibility with existing cellular infrastructure designed for broadcast services, and can be incorporated into modern mobile networks for advanced multimedia delivery.
4. A broadcast control device arranged to control broadcast transmissions in a cellular communication system to wireless devices, the broadcast control device comprising: a processor; and a non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the broadcast control device to: obtain a transmission policy associated with a content provider, the transmission policy comprising a restriction to only broadcast a content feed to a geographically limited area, wherein the transmission policy further comprises a bandwidth restriction and a time restriction, wherein the bandwidth restriction comprises a restriction to only broadcast the content feed on a particular frequency band; and block any content feeds from the content provider violating the transmission policy associated with the content provider.
A broadcast control device designed to manage broadcast transmissions in a cellular network to wireless devices consists of a processor and memory. The memory holds instructions that, when executed by the processor, first obtain a transmission policy from a content provider. This policy restricts the broadcast to a specific geographic area, limits the broadcast to a particular frequency band (bandwidth restriction), and restricts the broadcast to certain times (time restriction). The instructions then cause the device to block any content feeds from that provider that violate any part of this transmission policy, ensuring adherence to location, frequency, and time constraints.
5. The broadcast control device according to claim 4 , wherein the transmission policy further comprises a radio access system type restriction.
A broadcast control device manages data transmission in a wireless communication network, particularly in scenarios where multiple radio access systems (RAS) are available. The device addresses the challenge of efficiently distributing broadcast data to multiple user devices while optimizing network resources and ensuring reliable delivery. The device includes a transmission policy module that defines rules for selecting the most suitable RAS for broadcasting data, considering factors such as network load, signal quality, and device capabilities. This policy ensures that broadcast data is transmitted over the most appropriate RAS to maximize efficiency and minimize interference. Additionally, the transmission policy may include restrictions based on the type of RAS, allowing the device to prioritize or exclude certain RAS types depending on network conditions or service requirements. By dynamically adjusting the transmission policy, the device enhances the overall performance of the broadcast service, ensuring timely and reliable data delivery to all connected devices.
6. The broadcast control device according to claim 4 , wherein the broadcast control device is arranged to be connected to a single Broadcast Multicast Service Centre.
The broadcast control device described above is specifically designed to connect to a single Broadcast Multicast Service Centre (BM-SC). This architectural constraint simplifies the network configuration and allows for a focused and streamlined broadcast control process. The connection to a single BM-SC ensures a dedicated management channel for broadcast transmissions.
7. A broadcast control system comprising a plurality of broadcast control devices according to claim 4 , wherein each broadcast control device is dedicated for a particular geographically limited area.
A broadcast control system includes multiple broadcast control devices. Each of these devices, as described above with a processor and memory executing instructions to enforce geographic, frequency, and time restrictions from content provider policies, is dedicated to controlling broadcasts within a specific geographic area. This distributed architecture allows for granular control over broadcast content across different regions within the cellular network.
8. The broadcast control system according to claim 7 , further comprising a provisioning device, the provisioning device providing an interface to allow content providers to configure transmission policies for use by the broadcast control devices.
The broadcast control system, consisting of multiple broadcast control devices each managing a particular geographic area, further includes a provisioning device. This provisioning device provides an interface, allowing content providers to configure and manage their transmission policies (geographic area, frequency band, time restrictions, radio access type) for use by all of the broadcast control devices within the system.
9. A computer program for controlling broadcast transmissions in a cellular communication system to wireless devices, the computer program comprising computer program code stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium, the computer program code which, when run on a broadcast control device, causes the broadcast control device to: obtain a transmission policy associated with a content provider, the transmission policy comprising a restriction to only broadcast a content feed to a geographically limited area, wherein the transmission policy further comprises a bandwidth restriction and a time restriction, wherein the bandwidth restriction comprises a restriction to only broadcast the content feed on a particular frequency band; and block any content feeds from the content provider violating the transmission policy associated with the content provider.
A computer program designed to control broadcast transmissions in a cellular network to wireless devices consists of computer program code stored on a non-transitory medium. When run on a broadcast control device, the code first obtains a transmission policy from a content provider. This policy restricts the broadcast to a specific geographic area, limits the broadcast to a particular frequency band (bandwidth restriction), and restricts the broadcast to certain times (time restriction). The code then blocks any content feeds from that provider that violate any part of this transmission policy.
10. A computer program product comprising the computer program according to claim 9 and a non-transitory computer readable medium on which the computer program is stored.
A computer program product consists of the computer program described above, which is the code to control broadcast transmissions based on content provider policies, and a non-transitory computer readable medium on which that program is stored. This medium could be a hard drive, SSD, flash drive, or other persistent storage, enabling the program to be deployed and executed on a broadcast control device.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
October 25, 2012
July 11, 2017
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